Nicaragua Mission Trip Day Three

I tried to blog last evening but the band width is so weak that I could never get it to load properly. So I thought I would give it another try this morning. Yea, so far it is working. As I blog I am enjoying my second cup of homegrown, fresh, Nicaraguan coffee! Yum! To catch you up, yesterday’s travel was easy and smooth. we departed Houston at around 9:20 am and arrived in Managua at 12:20 pm. As we flew over te edge of Managua we could see the rising smoke from an active volcano. We definitely knew we were not in Kansas anymore. Ian met us at the airport and welcomed us to Managua! We then drove to the compound which would become our home for the next few days.

Managua is a metropolitan city of 1 million people. The airport was impressive much like a big city airport in the states. I was most impressed with the infrastructure of the roads. Managua is a beautiful city! We arrived at the compound and were warmly greeted by our hosts. The dorm is nice and will serve as our base of operations for the next few days. After we unloaded we each claimed our bed and settled in. We had a brief organizational meeting and then enjoyed a fresh lunch of crackers, cole slaw, chicken salad, pimento cheese, juice, and chips. The food was most tasty. The pimento cheese is the best I have ever had. We then went over the schedule and got ready for our first adventure. it was a visit to the active volcano we saw coming in. As we drove through the city it was alive with live music venues everywhere, food vendors, and lit statues, fountains, and monuments. by the time we arrived at the volcano it was evening. As we drove up the volcano you could see the orange glow of the lava lighting up the evening sky above us. The volcano was a most inspiring site! As you looked over the edge of the crater you could see and hear the lava flow as it thundered beneath us. This was my first visit to a volcano and it was most impressive. it was the raw power of nature in its most spectacular display. It was an experience none of us will ever forget! As we drove home back through the city listening to the sounds and observing the sights of a city alive I was reminded again of the rich tapestry of God’s diversity. As I thought about it and experienced it I gave God thanks for such marvelous gifts!

As we pulled up in front of our new home I felt such joy and affirmation that we were here. I already feel very at home here among our new friends and it has only been day one in Nicaragua! Today we tour the city and learn about the history and culture. Tonight we attend worship. that should be fun! Everyone here is doing well. We have adjusted quickly and already feel like finally! we are already learning so much and God has already share so very much. We are grateful to be here representing you! Tomorrow we begin work on the clinic in the neighborhood that evolved out of a refugee camp set up after the destruction by hurricane Mitch. We are getting ready to enjoy our first breakfast together. Pray for us! I prayed for you this morning! Enjoy a great day praising and worshipping this great, mysterious God that loves us and who gives us so very much!

I will see you on the road,

Pastor Travis
I John 3:1

About Travis Franklin

Travis served St John's as the Senior Pastor from 2015 until 2017. He now serves as a District Superintendent in the UMC.